A stretch of the M60 in Greater Manchester has been revealed as a likely 'blackspot' for queues of traffic this Bank Holiday weekend.
The RAC predicts that the worst traffic will be seen on the motorway between junction seven for the A56 (Altrincham) and junction 18 for the M62. Another 'blackspot' identified by the RAC and transport analytics firm INRIX is a stretch of the M25 between Bromley and the Dartford Crossing.
The busiest day for getaway trips is expected to be on Friday, as families make the most of the long weekend. The worst tailbacks are likely to be between 2pm and 7pm.
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Motorists hoping to avoid the jams are advised to set off either before 7am or after 7pm or 'be prepared to sit in traffic'. Around 12.5 million journeys are predicted to be made by car between Friday and Monday.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said there has been no reduction in the number of vehicles breaking down this summer despite the increase in the number of people holidaying abroad compared with the previous two years. "The UK’s roads are just as hectic this summer as they were a year ago", he said.
"We’re expecting busy roads to continue throughout this bank holiday weekend, especially to major holiday destinations, with people eager to enjoy some time away before the new school terms begin in England and Wales. The South East and South West of England look as though they may bear the brunt of the traffic, with the message to drivers travelling through these regions clear – head off early in the morning or be prepared to sit in traffic."
Inrix analyst Bob Pishue said: "We expect to see an increase in travel times throughout the holiday weekend on major roads in the UK, with Thursday and Friday seeing the largest delays compared to normal. Drivers planning to get away are going to find themselves competing with commuters and holiday travellers for road space."
He advised drivers to adjust their travel plans or 'pack their patience'. People have also been urged to ensure their cars are 'road ready'.
Train services on some key routes will be disrupted due to engineering work. Network Rail said upgrades worth £90 million will be carried out, but stressed that 95 per cent of lines will remain open.
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